WHAT IS THE CORONAVIRUS?
The coronavirus family is a large family of viruses which has the ability to cause illness in humans. Commonly, the coronavirus family leads to the development of respiratory infections ranging from severe acute respiratory syndrome (commonly referred to as SARS) or the common cold. The recently discovered coronavirus is the COVID-19 virus which began in Wuhan, China.
HOW IS THE COVID-19 SPREAD?
Latest findings show that the virus is spread by respiratory droplets (from the nose or mouth) in the air. Other individuals who are not infected can contract the infection by then touching infected objects or surfaces and then proceeding to touching their eyes, nose or mouth afterwards.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19?
The symptoms of the COVID-19 virus begin gradually and are initially mild in nature. Some patients infected with the virus don’t even display or develop symptoms or have any feelings of being unwell. However, majority of patients infected with the virus display symptoms of:
WHO IS AT RISK?
Anyone can be at risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus, however latest findings suggest that the most vulnerable people include the elderly, patients suffering from underlying medical conditions such as blood pressure or diabetes, those with heart problems, individuals with weakened immune systems- HIV, those on immunosuppressants, or those undergoing chemotherapy.
HOW CAN I PREVENT BECOMING INFECTED WITH THIS VIRUS?
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH SOMEONE WHO HAS THE VIRUS, OR SUSPECT I MAY BE INFECTED WITH COVID-19?
If you have been in contact with or are displaying symptoms of COVID-19, it is incredibly important to self-isolate and contact the following number:
Hosted by the department of health. Once contacting the department of health and informing them of your symptoms or situation, they will inform you of where you can get tested for the virus
HOW CAN I BOOST MY IMMUNE SYSTEM?
It is incredibly important to maintain a healthy immune system during these trying times in order to prevent contracting this virus. You can do this by taking at least a combination of two of the following: